Switching type conveyer



APS'- 25, 1953 K. H. HANSEN SWITCING TYPE CONVEYER '4 Sheets-Sheet l Fil'ed March 15, 1957 f n .0305. EBQ

Aug. 25, 1953 K. H. HANSENl I swITCHING TYPE CONVEYER 4 sheets-sheet 2 Filed March 15, 1947 O @QTPQQ Q mo md,

Aug- 25, 1953 K. H. HANSEN 2,649,953

SWITCHING TYPE CONVEYER' Filed March 15, 1947 4 sheets-sheet s Aug. 25, 1953 K. H. HANSENv swITcHING TYPE cmfvrYER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March l5, 1947 n mJmE. mSmQ o...

Patented Aug. 25, 1953 SWITCHING TYPE CONVEYER Kenneth H. Hansen, White Plains, N. Y., assignor to Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., ya Ycorporationof Delaware Application March 13, 1947, Serial No. 734,373

13 Claims. 1

This invention relates to conveyor systems .for newspapers and other articles, .and .more particularly to systems affording switching.

In the application .of Warren Bacon and Kenneth H, Hansen, Serial No. 730,012, filed February 21, 1947, now Patent No. 2,593,242., `issued April .15, 1952, there is disclosedan improved conveyor `switch which `among other things provides for the transfer of -a `.stream of papers from .either of two separate conveyors, selectively, to .a Acommon conveyor. The present invention has among its objects, to provide through modifica-tion of v-such system with a minimum of alteration, .one

for transferring asingle .paper-stream, selectively, to either of two separate conveyors, as forexample, to convey paper from a .single folder to either -of two Aseparate Vdelivery tables.

Another object is to provide vfor .continuous positive movement. of the .paper stream ythroughout its transfer to one .or the .other of said two .separate conveyors.

Another object is to provi-de forderivationfrom the conveyor making delivery to the :switching means, driving power for-the switch-ing means and the conveyor to which transfer is -to be made. f

Another vobject is to provide lfor rendering the establishment of driving connections to the se- .-lected conveyor concur-rent with the fpositioning of the -switching means to .select the conveyor to `which transfer is to be made.

Other objects and advantages of the `invention will hereinafter appear.

In order that the invention may .bemore Vclearly understood, a `conveyor sys-tem incorporating the Vinvention will now be described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, and it being `understood that the system shown is susceptible of modification without departing from the scope 4of .the :appended claims.

In the drawings, Y 1 Figure l isa diagrammatic showing -of coordination of a switch with .a :single .folder .and two .tem shown in .F-igs.:2 and 3viewed atrig-htangles thereto and showing the conveyor drive .trans- .fer and shift -mechanism andthe conveyor pulley .and :belt arrangement;

Fig. 5 is in general similar to Figs. y2 and 3 but omitting the conveyor belts and showing driving connections, and

Fig. 6 is a more or less schematic showing of the shiftmec'hanism for'the conveyor drive transfer mechanism yshown in Fig. 4 -but viewed at right angles thereto.

Referring to Figure l, ,it shows .a stream .of papers I to be delivered from asingle press folder 2 selectively, to either of two separate delivery tables`3 and 4. When folder 2 is .operati-ngstream I is to be .conveyed by 4a .conveyor .5 into a .conveyor switch unit 6 -for transfer to conveyor `I which extends Vfrom the .switch to delivery table 3 or to conveyor 8 which .extends from the switch to delivery .table 4. .As will later vbe explained the switching means comprising switch unit 6 not only provides for the selective transfer of the paper stream to one of two delivery tables but concurrently provides for the transfer of driving power for .conveyor 5 Yto the Aconveyor making delivery to .the selected `delivery table.

Referring to Fig. 2, it shows the belt and pulley arrangement of switch unit `Ii and of conveyors 5, 1 and 9 adjacent .to switch unit .6. When switch unit 6 is lin the operating condition shown it will transfer papers from conveyor 5 to conveyor 'I when folder 2 is operating. -Conveyor 5 has end pulleys in the switch unit 6. Conveyor 'I originates at a section joint 9 -adjacent to and at the right of switch unit 6. Section joint 9 per se is nota part of the instant invention, but .as will later appear its use simplifies the .switching :combination and is in this instance provided with an `additional pulley forming part of lthe switching means. It will be apparent to lthose skilled in the art that the mechanism of section joint!) can be incorporated in the switch `u-n-it if desired.

Conveyor 5 comprises belts I0 and I "I lrunning lon respective end pulleys I 2a and I 3EL xed -respectively on shafts I2 and I3 carried by switch unit 6. A -belt I4 runs on a pulley 12b Xed on shaft I2 within switch unit -6 and on a yfree -running .pulley l'on-shaft .1I-5 carried by section joint 9. A divertible belt lr6 runs on a pulley AI'Ia xed on shaft II carried by section joint :9 and on a free running pulley I8n on a short shaft I8 carried by 'an arm I9 rigidly 'xed -to ya shaft 20 carried by the switch :unit 6. Conveyor 7 com- .prises belts 2| and 22 Yrunning respectively 4on pulleys I5b and I'Ib xed :on shafts L5 .and II of section joint .9. A belt .23 -within switch unit v6 runs on.a pulley I3b xed .on .shaft I3 and on a free running .pulley .24a onshaft 24.

When arm I9 positioned as shown, the belt 3 I6 is positioned in a cooperating relation with belt i4 and belt I4 with belts I6 and I| form a transfer section through the switch unit 6 from conveyor 5. As will later appear, shafts I2, |5, I'I and 24 derive driving power from shafts I3 of conveyor 5.

Also as shown in Fig. 2, the switching means comprises additional pulleys, belts and shafts, the same being idle under the condition just described. Shaft 24 carries an end pulley for belt 25 of conveyor 8 and the switch unit has an additional shaft 26 carrying an end pulley for belt 21 of conveyor il. The section joint 9 carries a swinging frame 9a supporting a shaft 28 having a free running pulley 28Et on which runs a belt 29. The belts 25, 21, and 29 here shown in broken lines are more fully shown in Fig. 3 now to be described.

Referring to Fig. 3, it shows the switch unit in an operating condition to provide for the transfer of paper stream from conveyor to conveyor 8 when folder 2 is operating. Conveyor 8 as aforementioned comprises belts 25 and '21 which run on respective end pulleys 24b and 26EL fixed on shafts 24 and 26. Belt 29 as aforementioned runs on a free running pulley 28a and additionally it runs on a second free running pulley |8b on the short shaft I8, and on a driving pulley 23b on shaft 26. Belt 29 also bears against a free running pulley 24 on shaft 24 whenever there is an absence of flow of papers through the switch unit to conveyor 8. Belts I0, I4 and 23 respectively function as described in connection with Fig. 2. Belts I6, 2| and 22 (shown as broken lines) are idle and shafts I5 and I1 are idle.

When arm i9 is positioned as shown in Fig. 3 the belt 29 is positioned in a cooperating relation with belts 23 and 25 to form a transfer section through the switch unit 6 and provides for conveyance of the paper stream from belts and I4 to belts 25 and 21 of conveyor 8. As will later appear shafts '24 and 26 derive driving power from shaft |3 of conveyor 5.

Referring to Fig. 4, it shows in plan the various belts, pulleys and the belt shifting arm I9, described in connection with Figs. 2 and 3. Only one set of belts and associated pulleys and only one belt shifting arm are shown, but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art they are representative of a plurality of such belts, pulleys and belt shifting arms which in practice are suitably plural and spaced across the path of the paper stream to be handled. The belts are assumed to be of the usual coiled wire type.

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 considered together will afford an understanding of the driving connections of conveyors 5, 1 and 8 with the switch unit 6, the power drive shift mechanism in the switch unit for selectively transferring the driving power from conveyor 5 to conveyors 1 and 8, and also of the power means provided to change the operating condition of the switch unit.

Conveyor 5 has a chain 30 which drives a sprocket wheel I3c fixed on shaft I3. Meshing gears I3d and I2c are fixed on their respective shafts I3 and I2. A second gear I3e fixed on shaft I3 is provided for selectively transferring the power drive from shaft I3 to a gear 3|a fixed on a short shaft 3| carried by the switch unit or to a gear 24d fixed on shaft 24, through the medium of two shiftable idler pinions 32 and 33 which are in continuous meshing engagement with gear |36. As will later appear, pinion 32 can be shifted to effect a meshing engagement with gear 3|a thereby affording a transfer of power from shaft I3 to shaft 3|, and pinion 33 can be shifted to effect a meshing engagement with gear 241 thereby affording a transfer of power from shaft I3 to shaft 24.

A chain 34 driven by a sprocket wheel 3VO fixed on shaft 3| drives a corresponding sprocket wheel I1c fixed on shaft |1 of section joint 9. A gear |1d fixed on shaft |1 meshes with a gear I5c fixed on shaft I5 and thus provides for the simultaneous drive of shaft I5. When driven, shafts I5 and I1 provide the drive for conveyor 1. A chain 35 driven by a sprocket wheel I1e xed on shaft |1 may be provided for transferring power to drive the run out mechanism of delivery table 3, o-r if conveyor 1 is of relatively extended length to provide the drive for successive sections of conveyor 1 in a well known manner. A gear 24e fixed on shaft 24 meshes with a gear 26c fixed on `shaft 26 and thus provides for the simultaneous drive of shaft 2.6. When driven, shafts 24 and 26 provide the drive for conveyor 8. A chain 36 driven by a sprocket wheel 24f fixed on shaft 24 may be provided for transferring power to drive the run out mechanism of delivery table 4, or if conveyor 3 is of relatively extended length to provide the drive for successive sections of conveyor 8 in a well known manner.

The aforementioned idler pinion 32 runs freely on a short shaft 31 by which it is supported in meshing engagement with the gear ISE. Shaft 31 is disposed through and between arms 38a of a pair of bell crank levers 38 (Figs. 4 and 6).

f Each of the levers 38 is pivotally supported by shaft I3 and they are disposed on opposite sides of the gear |3e. The levers are connected together in a fixed relationship by the shaft 3'! and by an additional suitable connection 38b disposed through and between the arms 38C, thereby providing for concurrent pivotal movement of said levers. Similarly, pinion 33 runs freely on a short shaft 39 by which it is supported in meshing engagement with gear |3e. Shaft 39 is disposed through and between arms 43a of a pair of bell crank levers 40. Each of the levers 49 is pivotally supported by shaft I3 and they are disposed on opposite sides of gear I3e between one of the pair of levers 38 and gear |36. The levers are connected together in a fixed relationship by the shaft 39 and by an additional suitable connection 4Gb disposed through and between the arms 40G, thereby providing for concurrent movement of said levers. A crank rod 4| connects one of the levers 38 with a crank lever 42 fixed on shaft 20. A second crank rod 43 connects one of the levers 40 with a second crank lever ill which is fixed on shaft 20 adjacent to the crank lever 42. As will be understood the crank rods 4| and 43 and crank levers 42 and 44 provide for the pivotal movement of the pairs of levers 38 and 40 about the shaft I3 when the shaft 20 is rotated.

Referring particularly to Fig. 6, it shows the aforedescribed elements of the power drive shift mechanism in the switch unit 6 in two operating positions corresponding to the two operating conditions of said switch unit. The full line showing of these elements depicts their positions when switch unit 6 is in the operating condition shown in Fig. 3. Pinion 33 is in meshing engagement with gears I3e and 24d and thereby provides for the drive of the gear 24d when shaft I3 is rotating. Pinion 32 is out of engagement with gear 3la and therefore shaft 3| will be idie. when .sponds to .the operating condition of the .switch shownin Fig. 2. Pinion 32 is in meshing .engagement withgears 13e and 3`Iab .and 4thereby provides 'for vthe drive .of fgear .31a whenever shaft :I3 is rotating. 'Pinion .33 Lis out .of engagement with the gear .24d and :therefore -shaft 24 Awill Ybe idle.

Referring particularly to Figs. and 5., an electric motor 45 is :provided .in switch unit t .as a means of Ashifting 'the conveyor .switch from .one operating position lto the other. '.Motor 45 is mounted in a suitable manner so that its .rotor shaft 45a lis 'in a coplanar .relationship with .shaft 20. A pinion '45h fixed .on shaft 45ameshes with a gear 320'a fixed on shaft .211. .Motor 45 can be controlled iin asuitable manner .to .run .inreVerse directions between ixe'd limits so as :to position 'the arm 'I`9 .in .either .of the .two .positions .shown in Figs. '2 .and 3 andsimultaneously position .the pinions 32 and 33 fin .the .two positions shown vin Fig. 6. It is apparent .that the .shaft .20 can .be rotated by manual means, .as by acr-ank .or .lever to Aposition arm T9 .and .pinions 3.2 and .33 in .either of the two .operating positions.

Referring 'to Figs. 2, 4, 5 .and 6, when .folder .2

is operating and 'it "is desired .to convey .stream I to conveyor table 3 switchunit 'B is .conditioned as shown in Fig. 2 andthe drive for Qconveyor 'I through switch unit 'Ii becomes effective. .Chain V3l) will drive vthe sprocket 113 in .the .clockwise direction and cause the shaft I3 to rotate in the .same direction. Adjacent portions of belts .I and I'I of .conveyor 5 will therefore .carry stream VI into switch unit 6 whereitis .carried by .a .fixed transfer section comprising adjacent portions of belts II and 'I 4. Shaft 3| will rotate in the clockwise direction, being driven 'by gear 13 through pinion 32 and Agear 3I`e., .and the chain 34 is driven by sprocket 31' and in turn drives sprocket -I"I in the same direction. .Adjacent portions of the belts I4 and .I B therefore-carry stream I from the aforementioned fixed transfer rsection in switch unit '6 'to the .section joint 9. Shaft I .rotates in the counterclockwise .direction through lthe drive by gear I'Id `of the .gear .'I5. Adjacent portions of the "belts I2I and 122 of conveyor 1 will therefore carry the .Stream 1I to the conveyor `table 3. Belts .and 121 will be idle as shaft "24will`no`t'be rotating.

Referring to Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6., when folder 2 is operating and it is desired to carry .stream vI to conveyor table 4 switch unit 6 is conditioned as shown in Fig. 3 vand the drive for conveyor v8 through switch unit 6 becomes effective. Chain lwill drive sprocket I3" in 'the clockwise direction and cause shaft I3 to rotatejin the same direction. Adjacent portions of belts I0 and `|`I will therefore carry stream I 'intoswitch .unit .6 where it is carriedby the aforementioned transfer section comprising adjacent portions of 'belts 7I I -and I4. Shaft '2'4 will rotate in the clockwise direction, being driven by gear "I'3e through p'inion 33 and gear 24d and shaft 26 rotates iin 'the counterclockwise direction through the drive of the gear V26c `by the gear 24e. Thesprocket `24f drives the chain 36 of conveyor `8 Therefore, adjacent portions of belts 23 .and .29 .and of belts 25 and '29 will carry stream I .from .the transfer section comprising belts `I I and .I4 to the .belts 25 and '21 of conveyor 8. Chain .3.4 will .beidle v 6 as .shaft 3.I.wil1not be rotating. Therefore belt illiandbeltsl] and22 of cnnveyor i1 -willibe idle.

Preferred .forms .of .supporting .frame work for switch .unit Bandsectionjoint Bfareshown schematically 'inl-Figs. 42, Z3., e .and '5. I'Ifheframe of switch unit 6 comprises .the shaft bearing side members e, .6b and Be which are'held in a .xed parallel :relationship with .one .another as by plurality of perpendicular struts 'Bd and 6e. Similar-ly, the .frame .of .section joint 9 comprises shaft Ibearing side members Aligand .9b which are heldin a rigid parallel .relationship with one another .as bya .plurality of .perpendicular struts .9

-What I .claim .-as Y.new -and desire to secure 'by Letters Patentis:

.1. The combination .with .a .plurality of vconveyor .sections of .the pulley and .belt type and comprising .a .driven first .section .and second .and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation `with .said .first .section and to derive therefrom driving power, .of .switching means of the pulley and belt .type .to .placesaid conveyor sections in the .aforementioned .relations selectively, .said lbelts .of .said conveyor .sections .together with the .belts of .said switching -means providing .in .either 'case .a Acontinuous run having adjacent belts .to .receive .and grip Atherebetween fthe .articles lto lbe conveyed, said switching means comprising first, second and third .pulley shafts for said .iirst, second and .third .conveyor sections respectively, zan adjustably `supported pulley shaft and -divertible belts driven by said second .and third shafts respectively and having running .engagement with pulleys on said adj ustably supported shaftfand commutatable driving connections for transmitting driving power from said .first shaft .to said second and third shafts selectively for .rotation thereof .such that travel of .certain of said divertible belts is reversed relative 'to that of the yother of the same.

2. .The `combination with a .plurality of .conveyor sections of .the pulley vand .belt type and .comprising a driven 'rs't section and second and third sections to vbe placed selectively in series relation with said -first .section and to derive therefrom .driving power, of switching means of the pulley and {belt 'type to .place said conveyor .sections in 'the aforementioned relations selectively, .said .belts of said conveyor sections together .with 'the belts `of 4said switching means providing in either case a continuous run having adjacent belts `to receive and .grip therebetween the .articles to be conveyed, .said switching means comprising first, second and third pulley shafts .for .said rst, second and third conveyor sections respectively, an adiustably supported pulley shaft .and .divertible belts dri-ven by .said second .and Lthird shafts .respectively and having running .engagement with pulleys on said adjustably supported shaft, and commutatable driving vconnections for transmitting driving power from saidrstshaft vand said second and thi-rd .shafts selectively for rotation thereof such that travel of certain of :said .divertible `belts is reversed relative `to .that :ci other of the same, said .driving connections comprising to afford commutation thereof, .gears to be driven selectively by va .driving `gear :common thereto and an adjustable pinion interconnection .meshing with said driving Vgear .and with said other gears selectively vaccording Ato the .adjustment of said interconnection.

3. The combination with a plurality of ccnveyor sections of the pulley :and .belt type and comprising .a .driven .first section and .second .and

third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with said first section and to derive therefrom driving power, of switching means of the pulley and belt type to place said conveyor sections in the aforementioned relations selectively, said belts of said conveyor` sections together with the` belts of said switching means providing in either case `a continuous run having adjacent belts to receive and grip therebetween the articles to be conveyed, said switching means comprising first, second land third pulley shafts for said first, second and third conveyor sections respectively, an adjustably supported pulley shaft and divertible belts driven by said second and third shafts respectively and having running engagement with pulleys on said adjustably supported shaft, selective driving connections for transmitting power from said first shaft to said second shaft or said third shaft, and means for adjusting said adjustable shaft and concurrently effecting corresponding selection of said driving connections.

4. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type and comprising a driven first section and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with said first section and to derive therefrom driving power, each of said sections having belts to receive and grip therebetween the articles to be conveyed, of switching means of the pulley and belt type to place said conveyor sections in the aforementioned relations selectively, said switching means comprising pulley shafts for said first, second and third conveyor sections, an adjustably supported pulley shaft and divertible belts all having running engagement with pulleys on the last mentioned shaft, and certain of said divertible belts having running engagement with a pulley shaft of said second section while other of the same have running engagement with a pulley shaft of said third section, and commutatable driving connections to transmit tc the two last mentioned shafts selectively driving power from a shaft of said first conveyor section, each of said divertible belts having an active and inactive position `and in active position serving as an extension belt for its respective conveyor section while said switching means also affords for said conveyor sections extension belts with which said divertible belts coact to grip conveyed articles during transfer from one conveyor section to another.

5. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type and comprising a driven first section and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series rel-ation with said first section and to derive therefrom driving power, each of said sections having belts to receive and grip therebetween the articles to be conveyed, of switching means of the pulley and belt type to place said conveyor sections in the Iaforementioned relations selectively, said switching means comprising pulley shafts for said first, second and third conveyor sections, and adjustably supported pulley shaft and divertible belts all having running engagement with pulleys on the last mentioned shaft, and certain of said divertible belts having running engagement with a pulley shaft of said second section while other of the same have running engagement with a pulley shaft of said third section, commutatable driving connections to transmit to the two last mentioned shafts selectively driving power from a shaft of said first conveyor section, each of said divertible belts having an active and an inactive position and in active position serving as an extension belt for its respective conveyor section while said switching means also affords for said conveyor sections extension belts with which said divertible belts coact to grip conveyed articles during transfer from one conveyor section to another, and means to effect concurrently adjustment of said adjustable pulley shaft and corresponding selection of said driving connections.

6. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type comprising a driven rst section, and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with said first section land to derive therefrom driving power, of switching means of the pulley and belt type to place said conveyor sections in the aforementioned relation selectively, said switching means having belts made active thereby selectively according to the conveyor relationship to be established `and said belts of said conveyor sections together with the belts of said switching means providing in either case a continuous run having throughout adjacent belts to receive and grip therebetween the articles to be conveyed, and driving connections for transmitting driving power from said first section -to the conveyor section placed in series relation therewith and also for drive of belts of said switching means as in either case form part of the continuous run.

'7. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type and comprising a driven rst section and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with said first section and to derive therefrom driving power, of switching means of the pulley and belt type to place said conveyor sections in the aforementioned relations selectively, said switching means having belts made active thereby selectively according to the conveyor relationship to be established and said belts of said conveyor sections together with the belts of said switching means providing in either case a continuous run having throughout adjacent belts to receive and grip therebetween the articles to be conveyed, and driving connections for transmitting driving power from said first section to the conveyor section placed in series relation therewith and also for drive of belts of said switching means as in either case form part of the continuous run, said driving connections having commutating means common to the driving connections of said conveyor sections and of belts of said switching means, rendering selection of the last mentioned belts determinable by the selection of conveyor sections.

8. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type and comprising a driven first section and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with said first section and to derive therefrom driving power, of switching means of the belt and pulley type to place said conveyor sections in the aforementioned relations selectively, said belts of said conveyor sections together with the belts of said switching means providing in either case a continuous run having throughout yadjacent belts to receive and grip therebetween the articles to be conveyed, said belts of said switching means comprising divertible belts certain of which shift to inactive position when other of the same shift to active position and vice versa according to the relationship selected for the conveyor sections, and

driving connections: for"Y transmitting driving' power from said` first" section to the" pulle'ysv of thel conveyorsection placed in" series relation' therewithY andv also' forzA dri'vle" of" beltsf of' said switching means as eitherv case forni part of the continuous run; said" driving connections having commutating 'means common totlie driv-` ing connections ofsai'dic'onveyor'sections andof the belts of said switchirig-1r'ieans, reridrings'; lection of the lastV mentioned beltsdeterrninable bythe selectionV of conveyor sections o 9. The combinationw'itl'i` aiI plurality of con'-A veyor sections of they pulleyand'belttypecomi prising'a driven'rst section and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with' -said`fi'rst'sectionand VYs eli'ectively' to derive therefromdrivingpower,` each'of said sections having for gripping@ therebetween articles to be conveyed, iirst andf'secondfbelts; ofbelts interconnecting said rst and second conveyor sections and said firstand thirdf conveyor* sections for continuity therebetween in respect of the i'irst belts of said rst and second conveyor sections and the second belts of said rst and third conveyor sections, a set of pulleys located between said interconnecting belts and having adjustable support for movement into proximity to said interconnecting belts selectively, pulleys concentric with end pulleys of the second belts of said second and third conveyor sections respectively, belts having running engagement with said adjustable pulleys and dividingly having running engagement with said pulleys concentric with said end pulleys of said second and third conveyor sections for switching, and commutatable driving connections for transmitting driving power from said rst section to pulleys of the conveyor section placed in series relation therewith and also for drive of such of said switching belts as also have pulleys concentric with end pulleys of such conveyor section.

10. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type comprising a driven rst section and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with said first section and selectively to derive therefrom driving power, each of said sections having for gripping therebetween articles to be conveyed, first and second belts, of belts interconnecting said rst and second conveyor sections and said rst and third conveyor sections for continuity therebetween in respect of the first belts of said first and second conveyor sections and the second belts of said first and third conveyor sections, a set of pulleys located between said interconnecting belts and having adjustable support for movement into proximity to said interconnecting belts selectively, pulleys concentric with end pulleys of the second belts of said second and third conveyor sections respectively, belts having running engagement with said adjustable pulleys and dividingly having running engagement with said pulleys concentric with said end pulleys of said second and third conveyor sections for switching, and commutatable driving connections for transmitting driving power from said first section to pulleys of the conveyor section placed in series relation therewith and also for drive of such of said switching belts as also have pulleys concentric with end pulleys of such conveyor section, said driving connections lcomprising to afford commutation thereof gears to be driven selectively by a driving gear common thereto and an adjustable pinion interconnection meshing With said driving crassa geanandwithsaid other gears selectively according tothe adjustment of said" interconnection.

11j. Tleco'nibination with a plurality of conveyor sections" of the pulley and belt type cornpris'i'ng a driveniir'st section and secondand third sections to be placed selectively inseries relation withY saidA first` section and to selectively derive therefri driving power, each of said sections having for gripping therebetween articles to be conveyed; first and second belts, said first and second4 conveyors being arranged in a substantially,straightline'relationand said third section being"dis'pos`ed`at anangle'thereto, of belts driven concurrently with the belts of said first section interconnecting' said first and second conveyor sections andsaidrs't and third conveyor sections for `coritinuity'therebetween inrespect of the rst belts'of said'iiis't and second conveyor sections and Lthes'ec'zoii'tlbelts ofl said rst and third conveyor sections',A aset of pulleys located between interconnecting belts and having adjustable `t for' movement into proximity to said interconnectingbelts selectively, pulleys concentric with end pulleys of said second and third conveyor sections respectively, belts having running engagement with said adjustable pulleys and dividingly having running engagement with said pulleys concentric with said end pulleys of said second and third sections for switching, and commutatable driving connections for transmitting driving power from said iirst section to pulleys of the conveyor section placed in series relation therewith and also for drive of such of said switching belts as also have pulleys concentric with such conveyor section, said driving connections comprising to afford commutation thereof gears to be driven selectively by a driving gear common thereto and an adjustable pinion interconnection meshing with said driving gear and with said other gears selectively according to the adjustment of said interconnection.

12. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type cornprising a driven first section and second and third sections to be placed selectively in series relation with said rst section and to selectively derive therefrom driving power, each of said sections having for gripping therebetween articles to be conveyed, rst and second belts, said first and second conveyors being arranged in a substantially straight line relation and said third section being disposed at an angle thereto, of belts driven concurrently with the belts of said first section interconnecting said first and second conveyor sections and said first and third vconveyor sections for continuity therebetween in respect of the iirst belts of said first and second conveyor sections and the second belts of said iirst and third conveyor sections, a set of pulleys located between said interconnecting belts and having adjustable support for movement into proximity to said interconnecting belts selectively, pulleys concentric with end pulleys of said second and third conveyor sections respectively, belts having running engagement with said adjustable pulleys and dividingly having running engagement with said pulleys concentric with said end pulleys of said second and third sections for switching, and commutatable driving connections for transmitting driving power from said rst section to pulleys of the conveyor section placed in series relation therewith and also for drive of such of said switching belts as also have pulleys concentric with such conveyor section, said driving connections comprising to afford commutation thereof gears to be driven selectively by a driving gear common thereto and an adjustable pinion interconnection meshing with said driving gear and with said other gears selectively according to the adjustment of said interconnection, and a section joint aording support for pulleys of said second conveyor section and comprising a pulley element for engagement by such of 'said switching belts as extend from said third conveyor section to said adjustable pulley set.

13. The combination with a plurality of conveyor sections of the pulley and belt type comprising a driven rst section and second and third sectins to be placed in series relation with said irst section selectively and to derive therefrom driving power, of switching means of the pulley and belt type to place the conveyor sections in the aforementioned relations selectively, commutatable driving connections having chains for transmitting driving power from said rst section to pulleys of said switching means and of the conveyor section placed in series relation with said iirst conveyor section, said driving connections comprising to afford commutation thereof gears to be-drivenselectively by a driving 'geai common thereto and an adjustable pinion interconnection meshing with Said driving gear and with said other gears selectively according to the adjustment of said interconnection, and two supporting ,frames which aiord support for the aforestated commutating parts of said driving connections and also for pulleys of said conveyor sections and switching means, to aord two units through the medium of which the said three conveyor sections `may, beV coordinated as aforedescribed by mere addition of the aforementioned belts and driving chains.

KENNETH H. HANSEN.

References cited in the me of this patent UNITED sTATEs PATENTS Number Name Date 1,508,351 Reisbach et al Sept. 9, 1924 2 1,858,416 Rapley May 17, 1932 2,233,850 Rapley Mar. 4, 1941 

